Selby District Council Eggborough ward members Coun John and Mary McCartney wrote to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Iain Wright MP urging him to end "six months of anxiety" for residents over the Willow Green scheme.

The latest move comes after it emerged the 15,000-home green settlement proposed for land near Eggborough and Kellington came last out of four district sites in a sustainability survey.

Coun Mary McCartney, who also urged MP John Grogan to aid their plea, said: "We know Willow Green has failed to match the government's own criteria for an eco-town.

"It was also found to be incapable of becoming a sustainable eco-town by Leeds City Region consultants GVA Grimleys.

"But, because it hasn't yet been formally ruled out, the threat it
could still go-ahead is still hanging over residents."

Leeds City Region members last month voted 11-0 against housing an eco-town at any of the four GVA shortlisted sites – Willow Green, Gascoigne Wood mine, Burn Airfield and RAF Church Fenton.

But, as revealed in last week's Selby Times, the government is expected to announce a fresh consultation to build a green settlement at the former pit site near Sherburn. The Willow Green application also remains on the table.

Coun John McCartney said: "We know Mr Grogan supports the eco-town concept, but he knows the Willow Green bid is simply unsustainable.

"We hope he will agree to a meeting with us so we can explain why it's time he lobbied Mr Wright to get this plan formally ruled out."

Mr Grogan said he expected an eco-town site announcement in September or October. He added: "I realise residents living near all potential sites in the Leeds City Region, including Willow Green, want to know the government's decision as soon as possible."